The XUV500 comes with a second-generation AISIN traverse transmission. Mahindra claims that this is the second generation gearbox that is lighter and a lot more efficient than the previous generation. This same transmission is used by Mahindra on the Ssangyong Tivoli and the Ssangyong Korando-C as well. This transmission has been designed for transverse engines, so it cannot fit in the Scorpio. This transmission is available on W8, W10 front wheel drive variants and even W10 all-wheel drive variant as well. Push the accelerator and the engine responds quickly. There isn’t much of a lag from the box. The downshifts too are smooth. However when you shift to the manual mode, it is just fine. The pricing difference between the XUV500 manual and automatic is exactly a lakh. So, the W10 front wheel drive costs INR 18 lakhs (on-road, Delhi) approximately. The XUV500 has a new transmission and at the moment, it is the only seven-seater in this price bracket to be offered with an automatic. So, there is no other option for a buyer other than the XUV500 automatic. There is a Creta automatic, but that is a five-seater, and more like a compact SUV. The XUV500 also offers all-wheel drive with the automatic so there is nothing that is an all-wheel drive and an automatic under INR 20 lakhs.

With the AWD option it is the best offering and is worth to take off roads. The AWD that it offers can be compared to every other car in the segment.

Both cars are neck and neck when it comes to features. For instance, both get goodies like projector headlamps, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, touchscreen audio system, etc all in the respective top-end versions. The XUV's strength lies in its ground clearance and off-road ability. There's an optional AWD variant as well. The Innova has a much more plush cabin, better build quality, reliability and resale value as well. For more details, please click here